Winnipeg Gives Gene Simmons Key to the City

KISS bassist Gene Simmons was given the key to the City of Winnipeg Wednesday during a ceremony at City Hall.

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St. Vital councillor Gord Steeves presented Simmons with the honour on behalf of Mayor Sam Katz, who is in Israel on business this week.

Simmons is in town to speak tonight at the Centennial Concert Hall as part of his Rich and Famous Tour.

The key to the city is often given to celebrities and athletes who visit Winnipeg. Some previous recipients have included Milt Stegall, Sir Bob Geldof, Jon Montgomery and Henry Winkler.

Simmons, the son of a Holocaust survivor, received the honour for “his life and career overcoming challenges and creating success in business and family by remaining true to his roots and values,” according to a statement from the mayor’s office.

Season six of Simmons’ reality TV show “Gene Simmons Family Jewels” premiered Tuesday night on A&E.

Simmons’ longtime Canadian girlfriend Shannon Tweed ,who also attended the afternoon ceremony, recently walked off during an interview with the rocker on CNN’s “The Joy Behar Show.” Rumours have been swirling that the couple of 28 years are splitting up, but is likely a PR stunt to promote the new season of their show. The full interview is scheduled to air tonight at 9 p.m. CT.